Aetna Adds New Partners for Direct Settlement

The medical insurance provider Aetna has become known for its massive direct settlement network outside the US with more than 100,000 doctors and facilities. The insurance provider recently made some additions to their direct settlement network with new partnerships in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Uganda, and the UAE.

The medical insurance provider Aetna has become known for its massive direct settlement network outside the US with more than 100,000 doctors and facilities. The insurance provider recently made some additions to their direct settlement network with new partnerships in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Uganda, and the UAE.

With a plan that allows 'direct settlement', clients can seek treatment at certain hospitals and facilities without having to worry about the up front costs. Rather, the insurer will take care of the payment with the hospital, less any deductibles present in the plan.

Depending on the medical facility and the arrangement with the insurer, the direct-settlement option can apply for inpatient procedures, where the client is admitted overnight, and/or shorter outpatient procedures.

The direct settlement option is a big draw for clients when choosing a plan. Because of this, international insurers such as Aetna are focused on fostering relationships with hospitals and medical groups around the world.

Here is a list of the recent additions to Aetna's direct-settlement network:

Hong Kong

Parkway HealthCareWith over 250 affiliate doctors in HK and Macau, the Parkway HealhCare group is a welcome addition to Aetna's direct settlement network. Parkway's flagship centre, located in Central, Hong Kong, provides a variety of comprehensive GP and Outpatient services such as immunization, x-rays, and stress ECG.

PPI clients with one of the following plans can take advantage of direct-settlement: Aetna Traditional, Aetna International – IHP, Huatai Aetna Health Aessentials – Fire and Wood Members, Aetna Health Aessentials (HK – Fire and Wood Members, Indonesia, or SGD).

Human Health Associate LimitedThis group has a chain of clinics providing outpatient services. Clients with the Aetna Traditional and Aetna International plans are covered for direct-settlement.

China

Beijing DCN Orthopaedic HospitalThis Beijing based Orthopaedic hospital does diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of orthopaedic disorders. The hospital has established its name having become the designated hospital for national players of the Chinese Olympic Committee in 2008. Both outpatient and inpatient GOP procedures are covered under Aetna's direct settlement network.

Those with either an Aetna Traditional, Aetna International (IHP, ChinaLife, and Huatai), or a Dazhong AHA can take advantage of direct-settlement at either of these facilities.

Vietnam

Hong Ngoc General HospitalThis private hospital is located in central Hanoi and has a 200-bed facility and a variety of specialty services. In-patient and out-patient procedures are both covered under direct-settlement.

Hong Ngoc Keangnam General ClinicHaving opened only last year, the Hong Ngoc Keangnam General Clinic is one of the more modern clinics in Vietnam providing outpatient procedures for clients. It's located at the Keangnam Landmark 72 Tower, Vietnam's tallest tower.

Vinmec International HospitalThis hospital is the first international general hospital in Vietnam that has been modeled after international-standard hospital facilities, with various specialized departments, auxiliary centers, and a high-tech park. Inpatient Direct Settlement are covered

Clients can make use of the direct-settlement options in Vietnam provided they have one of the following Aetna plans: Aetna Traditional, Aetna International – IHP, Huatai Aetna Healthy Aessentials – Fire and Wood members, Aenta Healthy AEssentials (HK – Fire and Wood members, Indonesia, or SGD).

Uganda

Africa Medilink NetworkWith the Medilink Network, certain Aetna members now have access to 21 providers, including Hospitals and 24 hour clinics in Kampala. English is also spoken at each of these facilities. For the full list of providers, visit Aetna's International member website.

Clients with one of the following Aetna plans can take advantage of the direct-settlement options in Uganda: Aetna Traditional, Aetna International GNH, GHU, EHP, AMX, and GHP.

United Arab Emirates

Aetna made the most additions to their direct-settlement network in the UAE, with new relationships with hospitals and facilities in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

For every one of these facilities, out-patient services are covered under direct-settlement for clients with either an Aetna Traditional or Aetna International membership ("covered under a policy compliant with regulations of the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi/HAAD – only").

Pacific Prime analysts are not surprised to see this high degree of development in the UAE from Aetna. With the new head of Aetna International, Richard di Benedetto, the insurer has currently been going through a period of massive change. The insurer has a large presence in the UAE that has grown considerably in recent years. The UAE is also seeing an increased demand for medical care with wealth-related diseases like diabetes on the rise.